The house was cold and empty as Maddie walked in alone. As she flicked a light on she shivered from the cold. It was freezing inside…

Bubbles, hearing someone enter the house, came running down the hallway to her.

'Hey baby girl…' Maddie picked the cat up, Bubbles showering her in a show of affection amongst loud purring. 'Hey… You hungry?'

Bubbles kept purring and smooching her and she smiled sadly. 'You always try to make me feel better, don't you?' The cat's whiskers tickled her cheek as again she rubbed her head against her face. The smile disappeared as quickly as it had come, her expression sobering once more. God, what a day…

The cat climbed up onto her shoulder as she walked into the kitchen and got her food out of the cupboard before heading into the laundry to top up Bubbles feed bowl. With her cat settled down to eat her dinner she made her way back to her bedroom and gathered her pajamas to go take a shower and get herself ready for bed.

It was just after midnight when she crawled into bed, Bubbles coming into the darkened room to join her but sleep wouldn't come. How could she sleep? Thoughts whirled around her head and what had happened just kept playing over and over in her mind… Not only that, but she was alone. Alone in the big house.

Her heart began to beat faster and she took a deep breath as she felt a panic attack coming on. You're alright… You're okay… She reassured herself in an attempt to quell the nausea and warmth that had washed over her. You're okay. Don't panic.

No.

She definitely wasn't okay.

Kicking the covers off she grabbed her phone and turned on the flashlight, hurrying through the darkened house. She didn't even stop to put shoes on as she went out the back door and made a beeline for the farmhouse. She wasn't okay. She needed her Dad.

The house was dark as she came to it and she slowed, creeping through the front door. Heading to Cordell's room she knocked softly on the closed door, begging in her mind for him to answer…

'Maddie-' Cordell hardly had a moment to react as the teen fell into his arms in the midst of a panic attack and sobbing mess. 'Oh baby girl…' He held her tight, pressing a kiss to her head. 'It's okay… It's okay sweetheart…' He felt her legs give out beneath her and in one easy motion, picked her up bridal style in his strong arms. 'Hey… hey… I've got you… I've got you honey…'

Nudging the door closed with his foot so they didn't disturb Stella and August, he carried her over to the bed and gently sat her down before sitting down with her. 'Hey…. Hey…. ssssshhhhh. It's okay… It's okay sweetheart.' His heart broke hearing her cries, the teen struggling to breath as he held her. 'Baby girl, baby girl, it's okay. Breath honey. Breath.'

Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Cordell, Maddie started to calm down and come out of the panic attack.

'D-dad?'

'I'm here honey… I'm here. I got you.' He replied softly. 'It's okay. You're okay…'

'I-I w-was was s-so scared.' She managed to stutter out between abating sobs and trying to catch her breath. 'M-maw-mawline s-stopped-stopped b-breathing. I-I thought s-she was-was g-gonna die.'

'I know… I know honey…' He had spoken to one of the nurses when Maddie had gone with Stella to get something to eat and they relayed to him what they had been told by the paramedics and dispatch about what had happened.

'I-I was s-so scared.'

Cordell kissed her head as she kept repeating it over and over, just holding and reassuring her that it would be alright. That everything would be alright.

'It's okay honey…. It's okay.' He kept stroking her hair as she finally was able to catch her breath and stop crying. 'It's okay.'

'I-I'm s-sorry.' She apologized as she wiped her cheeks dry, embarrassment washing over her. 'I'm so s-sorry.'

'Maddie honey, it's okay. There's nothing to be sorry for.'

'I d-didn't mean t-to wake y-you.'

'Maddie, baby girl, listen-' He gently touched her chin, making her look up at him. 'It's okay. It's okay sweetheart. Just take a few deep breaths honey… That's a girl.'

'Oh Dad…' Her voice was a mere whimper. 'Just-just hold me.'

'I've got you, I've got you sweetheart.'

Maddie closed her eyes, her head rested against his chest. In his arms safety could be found. She was safe. She was okay. Everything would be okay. She could hear his heart beating strong and steady, the sound helping to calm her down.

'You-you okay now honey?'

After a moment she nodded and pulled away, wiping the last of the tears off her cheeks. 'Yeah… I'm okay… I just… oh god… it-it's been one hell of a day.'

Cordell tucked a lock of her loose hair back behind her ear. 'It has been one of those days.'

'I d-don't know what happened…' She sniffled. 'I just… I-I was trying to get to sleep and-and then…'

'You don't have to explain to me honey.'

Maddie took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. 'I guess it just kept building up 'cause I was trying to focus on Mawline and not panic.' She had already related to him about what had happened and the process of events that had taken place back at the hospital but there hadn't been any emotion in it. It had just been the plain facts for she had been worried about losing it in front of him and her siblings. 'Did-did I do things right? I mean, what would you have done if you had been there.'

'Maddie… It was a hard situation.' He replied after he had pondered her question for a moment. 'I-I would have done exactly what you did. Maddie, you… you managed to calm under intense pressure and did the best you could given the circumstances. What you went through… it was hard. You did what you could, you knew what to do and you did it. Don't doubt your actions honey. You did exactly what I would have done.'

After hearing that, Maddie felt slightly better. 'I was so scared…' She said after a pause. 'When Mawline stopped breathing, I thought she was going to die. I'm scared of losing anyone else I love.'

Cordell pressed a kiss to her head. 'I know honey. Mom's gonna be alright though. You just gotta believe that. You-you saved her sweetheart. You were scared but you stayed calm and you did what you needed to do. That-that's the kind of bravery and courage that comes from a strong person.'

Maddie shook her head. 'I'm not strong-'

'You are, you are baby girl.'

'Then why was I just a sobbing mess if I'm so strong?'

'Cause you're only human, Maddie. You love with your whole being, with everything you are. That love… That love is why you broke down. You care about people, you love so-so deep and you couldn't hold back your worry and fear any longer. You are strong, little one, because your love is strong.'

'I guess…' She wiped away another year that had slid down her cheek. 'I guess Mawline and I are square now…'

He raised an eyebrow.

'I'd have died if she hadn't found me in the barn…' Maddie explained softly. 'I owe my life to her. I just… Oh God I hope she'll be okay. I can't lose anyone else-'

'She'll be okay.' Cordell held her close as she started sobbing softly again. 'She'll be okay.'

'But-but what if she isn't?'

'Don't even go there sweetheart.' He said gently. 'Don't go there.'

After a moment she wrestled her emotions under control once again, wiping her cheeks dry once more. 'I um… I can't- I can't stay in the house. I-I don't want to be on my own.'

'Do you want to stay with me?'

'Would… would that be alright?'

Cordell nodded. 'Of course sweetheart. You need to try to get some sleep.'

'I-I don't think I can.'

'Would it help if I sang to you?'

A sad chuckle came from her. 'It's one in the morning-'

'If it helps you get to sleep I don't care what time it is.' He climbed back under the covers and patted the space next to him. Maddie crawled in beside him, snuggling up next to him and he placed his arm around her. 'What do you want me to sing?'

She thought for a moment. 'Can you sing me Mama's lullaby?'

'Let's see if I remember the words…'

By the time he had finished, Maddie appeared to have drifted off to sleep and he gently tucked the covers up around her. Glancing over at the clock it read it was almost one thirty in the morning. In a few hours, it'd be another day… Something told him that it wouldn't be any easier than the day that had just passed. His arm still around his daughter, he attempted to get some sleep before the day broke.

Sunlight was drifting through the curtain when Maddie woke, the girl wondering where on earth she was for a moment then she remembered. The events of the past day came flooding back to her as she sat up in the empty room, Cordell's side of the bed vacant. The clock showed it was just after eight in the morning and when she saw what the time was, she quickly kicked the covers off and headed out.

Cordell was preparing breakfast in the kitchen as she walked in, already dressed and ready for the day. 'Hey Maddie girl…' He said softly as she joined him in the kitchen, pulling up a chair at the bench. 'Did you get some sleep?'

'A little. Have you heard from the hospital at all?'

He shook his head. 'Not yet. As soon as we have breakfast we'll head there.'

'I'm not hungry.'

'Maddie, you need to eat something-'

'Maybe I'll feel like eating later Dad.' The way her stomach felt she doubted she'd keep anything down if she did eat, not to mention the fact she'd woken with another headache. 'I um… I-I'm sorry. About last night.'

'I already told you you don't have to apologize honey. It's part and parcel of what I signed up for as being your Dad.'

She chuckled sadly. 'Do you-do you regret adopting me?'

Cordell looked up from the bacon he was cooking over at her. 'No, no Maddie. The complete opposite honey. Everyday I'm grateful for the beautiful girl I get to call my daughter. Why do you ask?'

'I thought maybe with my problems and my past might you might have wished you'd never taken me in-'

'No Maddie.' He interrupted. 'I have never regretted the decision I made to take you in. We all have our scars and demons to fight. What matters is that we share the burden we carry with people who care about us. That's what family is for.'

'Then why won't Uncle Liam come home? We need him here.'

Cordell had no answer for her. 'I-I don't know Maddie.'

Silence fell and Maddie felt her stomach churning more at the smell of the cooking bacon. 'I-I'm gonna head home and get dressed. I need to check on Bel too before we go…'

'Okay honey. I'll let you know when we're ready to go.' She started to the door and he realized just before she stepped out that she was still only in her thin pajamas. 'Wait-' He hurried over to the door and took his heavy Ranger coat off the rack. 'It's cold out there.'

She smiled sadly as she put his jacket on. 'Thanks Dad.'

'And where's your shoes?'

'I kinda forgot to put any on last night. I'll be alright. Besides, your boots are miles too big for my feet.'

'At least borrow Stells.' He handed her some sneakers. 'Put them on, no argument.'

When she had put the shoes on he was finally happy to let her go and she hurried back to the ranch house. It was even colder inside the house then it had been the night before, Maddie changing into her day clothes so quickly it had to be a new record. Putting on her winter coat over her jumper, her fingers again found Abeline's rings. I really should put them somewhere safe…

Just as she was pondering that she heard a truck pulling up outside, the rings returning to her pocket as she hurried from her bedroom to the living room window. After she saw who it was she was sprinting out the front door a moment later as Bonham stepped from the truck. 'Grampa!'

'Hey darlin.' He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. 'I hear you had quite the time of it yesterday.'

'Yeah… I'm so glad you're home.' She looked up at him. 'Dad hasn't heard anything about how Mawline is. Have they rung you?'

'I haven't heard anything 'part from what Cordell told me yesterday. I was just about to drop this trailer off and head to the hospital. Where's Cordell?'

'He's making breakfast for Stella and Augie and we were going to head in too. I need to feed Bel and Bubbles then I can go.'

'Go do that honey. I need to grab a couple things anyway.'

'Oh, before I forget-' She pulled Abeline's rings from her pocket and handed them to him. 'I don't want to lose them. Mawline would be really upset if I had.'

'I'll hold onto them for her.'

'Thanks Grampa.'

Bel was pacing the fence line as she jogged over to the pen, Maddie apologizing profusely to the mare as she gave her some pats before quickly setting about filling her empty feed and water containers. Another record was set for how fast she could tend to the mare and a short time later she hurried back to the house. By the time she had finished with her cat the rest of the family were ready to go.

Maddie just hoped they'd arrive at the hospital to hear good news.

Maddie stayed close to Cordell as they walked into the hospital, Bonham going to the front desk to speak with the nurse on reception. Her stomach was still churning anxiously and she found her hand slipping into Cordell's. He squeezed her hand back, looking down at her for a moment with a reassuring smile and she could tell that he was just as worried about his mother as she was.

The nurse instructed them to take a seat in the waiting room on the second floor and assured them that a doctor would come speak to them soon. Bonham thanked her for her time and the family made their way to the waiting room, Maddie taking a seat with her Grampa on the couch. Neither of them said anything to the other, the teen just snuggled up close to him and in turn he put his arm around her.

Stella and August took seats with their father to wait. Though it was a school day Cordell had informed the school of the situation earlier that morning and Stella had been given the day off. Captain James had also given Cordell the day off work and had rung as they had been on their way in to ask if they had heard anything. Trey too had called to ask if there was anything he could do but there wasn't. They could only just wait.

Bonham was the first to notice the doctor as she walked into the waiting room and stood, the rest of the family following suit as she came over to them. After a short introduction, Bonham asked the question that was on everyone's mind. 'How is she doing?'

The doctor began filling them in on Abeline's condition, Maddie staying close to Bonham as she spoke. Abeline had regained consciousness during the night but was still very weak and the doctor expressed her concerns that it had taken a while for her to respond to treatment. As the lady kept talking, Maddie zoned out almost as her fear and worry began to overtake her thoughts. Abeline just had to be alright… Assuring them that they were doing everything they could, the doctor gave permission for them to go visit and Maddie stayed beside Bonham as they headed up the hallway to her room.

Bonham entered the room first, the rest of the family following behind and Abeline opened her eyes at the noise. 'Hey darlin…' She smiled weakly as he went over to her bed, kissing her gently on the lips then smoothed back her hair, gazing into her eyes. 'How are you feeling?'

'I'm okay.' She replied softly, her voice a raspy whisper. 'How are you?'

He stroked her cheek gently and gave her another kiss. 'Worried about you.'

Maddie held back as the rest of the family crowded around Abeline's bed, memories playing over in her mind. Feeling the panic rising again inside her she swallowed hard and after a moment, slipped out of the room and back into the waiting room and sat down alone in the empty space.

All she could see was what had happened yesterday, the teen burying her face in her hands as she took a moment to catch her breath. Yes, her actions had saved Abeline's life but she didn't feel like a hero. She felt scared. Terrified. This was what loving someone cost and she knew all too well the pain of losing someone she loved.

Yesterday they had come so close, so close to losing her.

Her phone began to vibrate in her pocket and she quickly wiped away a couple tears that had slid down her cheeks. Liam was calling. Taking a deep breath she swallowed back the lump in her throat before answering. 'Uncle Liam.'

'Hey Maddie…' He could hear the tremor in her voice. 'You okay?'

'Yeah… Yeah, I'm okay.' She replied, doing her best to keep her voice even. 'I was going to call you but you beat me to it. Mawline's awake, we're at the hospital now.'

Liam, though not much of a praying man, offered a prayer of thanks at that news. 'How-how is she?'

'Doing… Doing better.' Taking another deep breath she relayed to him what she had heard from the doctor.

'And how is everyone else coping?' He asked after a moment, Maddie having finished with what she'd been saying.

'They're okay. Dad-dad's got the day off work and Stella's taken the day off school. Grampa came back early, he's here now. They're all in with her,' Her voice was breaking again and she had to pause for a second. 'I had to step out for a moment.'

'What happened?' Liam questioned, having been wondering that all night. 'How did she get bitten?'

'We-Mawline and I had to go get firewood and it must have been hiding beneath the wood she picked up. She didn't see it, it didn't rattle.'

'You were there with her?'

'Yeah…'

'Are you alright?'

'I-I'm okay…' She lied. She knew she was most definitely not okay, still being quite shaken up from the whole event. 'I-I have to go.' She said, not wanting to break down again on the phone. 'I'll call you later.'

Ending the call before Liam could reply she slipped the phone back into her pocket and rested back in the chair to take some deep breaths. After a time, she felt like she had her emotions back under control and just as she thought about going back in, Cordell came out to see her.

'You okay baby girl?'

'Yeah… I was just-I was on the phone to Liam.' She replied as she stood, her father giving her a hug. 'I thought I better let him know what was going on.'

'You-you sure you're okay?'

Maddie managed a timid smile as she nodded. 'Dad, I'm okay. I just… I needed a moment.'

Cordell nodded in understanding. 'Are you-are you going to come see her? She's been asking about you.'

'I hope you didn't tell her about last night.' She said with concern.

'No, no, no, no, honey. I didn't.'

She breathed a sigh of relief. 'Can you keep what happened to yourself? Me having to do CPR and all that… I don't want her worrying about me when she's the one who's sick.'

'I-I won't tell her. But-' She looked up at him. 'It's something that the two of you will have to speak about later when she's up for it. For both of your healing.'

'Later.'

He looked back in the direction of her room. 'Mom uh… Mom wants me to head to work. Says that her having a run in with that rattler shouldn't keep me from my job. Will-will you be okay to stay with Dad? I was going to take August home and Stella to school.'

'Yeah, I can stay with Grampa.' Maddie replied. 'I'll be alright.' She managed another smile, this one seemingly convincing for he smiled back at her and kissed her head.

'That's the spirit, Maddie girl.'

After Cordell had left with Stella and August, Maddie quietly entered the room again. Bonham was seated on a chair beside Abeline's bed, the two of them looking over at her as she walked in.

'Hey Mawline…' Maddie's voice hitched. The last time she had been in a hospital to see someone was the last time she had ever seen her mom…

Abeline caught onto the emotion in her voice, the poor girl looking more of a mess then anyone else in the family. Understandably too, considering… 'Come here honey.'

She wrapped her arms around her grandmother, holding her tight as Abeline placed an arm around her. 'I-I was so worried about you.'

'I know sweetheart.' Abeline replied softly. 'I know.'

Fighting back tears she swallowed the lump in her throat down as she pulled back from her. 'I-I'm sorry. I know I'm not supposed to upset you.'

'It's okay honey.' She assured her. 'Come up here, beside me.'

At her invitation Maddie climbed onto the bed beside her being careful not to lie on any cords or IV lines attached to her.

Deciding that the two of them needed a moment alone, Bonham stood, clearing his throat. 'I um… I'm gonna go get a coffee. You want something to eat Maddie?'

She shook her head. 'I-I'm not hungry.'

'Alright, but you'll need to eat something later.' He told her. Turning to his wife he gave her a tender kiss on the cheek. 'I'll be back soon.'

Abeline gave him a weak smile as he left then turned her attention back to the girl beside her. 'Maddie, I can tell you're not okay sweetheart.'

'The doctor said not to excite or upset you so I'm not gonna say anything. You just need to get better, okay? I love you Mawline, I-I need you around…' Her sentence cut off with a soft sob that she tried her best to hold back.

'I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here.' She assured her, pressing a kiss to her head. 'I'm going to be alright Maddie, thanks to you.'

'But what if-if I had lost it and-and-'

'Maddie…'

Maddie stopped mid sentence at the interruption.

'Maddie. Let it go.' Abeline said gently but firmly. 'Let it go. All that matters is that you knew what to do, you did it and I'm going to be just fine. Don't wander off into that territory my girl. It'll only bring you more pain.'

She nodded, digesting the gentle rebuke. 'I guess… It's kinda my nature to let my mind get the better of me.'

'Mine too but it's something you have to learn to control otherwise you'll spend your whole life on what-if's and should-have-done's.'

'I'm trying… I'm trying to do that but yesterday…' Maddie let the sentence remain unfinished.

'Yesterday wasn't exactly the best day of my life.'

'No. Not mine either.'

'Well, they say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger-'

'Please, just don't ever scare me like that again.' Maddie interrupted. 'I don't think I or anyone else for that matter could handle it. How on earth did that snake bite you anyway?'

Abeline shrugged. 'I have no idea. I didn't see it until I picked the wood up.'

'Just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time then.'

'Mmmhmm.' She agreed. 'Honestly, I'm just grateful you were there with me sweetheart, as hard as it was what you went through. If I had been on my own… I don't know what I would have done.'

'Yeah… I'm grateful you weren't alone too.' Maddie remarked after a moment. 'I think we'll all be more careful too and from now on I think that making sure the radios in the farm trucks are working is going to be high on Grampa's priority list. Those damn mice. If they hadn't eaten through those wires you'd have been here a lot sooner.'

'Even so, you still handled the situation.'

'I was scared as hell.'

'You weren't the only one.' Abeline added. 'We really need to give you some driving lessons-'

'Hey, what's wrong with my driving?' She asked with a chuckle.

'How many times exactly did you stall the truck? Not to mention you hit every rut and pothole in that track.'

'Um…. I wasn't counting to be honest.'

'Mmm.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Maddie asked with a hint of a laugh in her voice. 'Maybe if the first time I drove had gone a bit smoother, the ride might have been a bit better.'

Abeline managed a tired smile. 'I'm only teasing.'

'I know you are.' She replied, the tone of the conversation sobering once more as Bonham returned to the room with his coffee. 'I-I guess this means I'll have to pull out of the Makeover, I've got no one to take me to the pick up now.'

'Ah no. No, no, no. No. Maddie, you are going to compete regardless of this. Bon, you'll take Maddie to the mustang pickup, right?'

'Say what now?' He questioned.

'Mawline was going to take me up on the weekend to pick up my mustang for the competition.' Maddie explained as he returned to his chair and placed his coffee down on the table beside him. 'But well… She ain't going nowhere now for a little while and Dad is working…'

Bonham shook his head. 'I'm sorry Maddie but Abby-'

'No Abby me Bonham Walker.' Abeline interrupted firmly. 'You take Maddie to go pick up her mustang. I will be just fine, don't you worry about me.'

Maddie looked between the two of them and a slight chuckle escaped her lips. 'Guess you've been told.'

He sighed heavily, shaking his head but with an amused smile on his face as he looked at his wife. 'Guess I have.'

'Good.' She exclaimed. 'That's settled then.'

The teen chuckled again softly, enjoying their friendly banter. 'Are you sure Mawline? I mean, I'd rather stay here so we can see you-'

'Maddie, you aren't going to miss out on competing just because of this. I will be fine. You two will only be gone a night and I'm sure Cordell, Stella and Augie will come keep me company in the meantime.'

'Are you really sure-'

'Yes. You are going. Geez, you are as stubborn as your father…'

She smiled a little. If Abeline was cracking jokes she knew everything would be alright. 'I'm just glad everything's turned out okay.'

'Me too honey.' Abeline kissed her head again gently. 'Me too.'